Tiffany’s Experiences With The NADSP E-Badge Academy

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) recently asked Tiffany about her experiences with the NADSP E-Badge Academy. The questions covered how she carries out her work, the skillsets she demonstrates on a daily basis, the impact that the E-Badge Academy has had on their professional recognition, and how she gets credit for competency.

Describe the story you shared in carrying out that competency:

I first sought information about the cultural norms of the person I support. I used a certified Spanish interpreter to speak directly with him, contacted his mother to understand family expectations, and spoke with his pastor about his community role. I adapted services in three ways. First I changed all communication to Spanish and restructured ISP meetings to be smaller and home-based. Then I shifted meal support so he cooked traditional foods with staff assistance instead of staff cooking for him. Finally we adjusted staffing so male DSPs assisted with personal care and reconnected him to his church community.

Why is this competency so important to DSPs?

I cannot provide true person-centered support if I don’t understand the person’s culture. When I listen first and adapt services to honor language, food, faith, and family norms, I prevent conflict, build trust, and get better outcomes like increased engagement and zero incidents.

Have you used this competency in your work?

With the person I mentioned earlier, I learned he valued language, food, and male-led decisions. I adapted by using a Spanish interpreter, cooking his cultural meals, and ensuring male staff for personal care. This stopped daily refusals. I now listen first to understand culture before planning support.

How can other DSPs replicate your practices?

DSPs can replicate this by listening first. Ask the person and family about language, food, faith, and gender norms before planning services. Use interpreters, not family, for meetings. Adapt schedules, meals, and staff assignments to honor culture. Track what changes and share results. Start with one person, document what works, then teach your team. Respect builds trust. Ask about important things in their lives. Track all the engagements. Always be willing to share what you learn and observe so the person or people you work with on your teams can become more consistent and able to better support others.

How does the NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit your agency?

It makes you a more skilled intentional DSP. It proves you’re using best practices, not just winging it. It reduces harm and increases dignity, it gives them consistency and advocacy, It leads to better staffing and retention. It shifts power back to the people you support. Start with a cultural interview and then train the team.

How does NADSP E-Badge Academy benefit the people you support?

They get safer, higher-quality support. They get support that honors who they actually are.  They get more independence. They get a real advocate to work with them in the system. They get outcomes, not just activities.

What does the future hold for your involvement in the NADSP E-Badge Academy?

I would like to become an NADSP Mentor at my agency, an e-badge reviewer, or trainer. NADSP relies on experienced DSPs to grow our industry. I would like to help other DSPs in other agencies to reflect for their testimonials.

How has NADSP E-Badge Academy affected your professional image?

The E-Badge Academy has given me a stronger professional identity because it taught me the “why” behind my work. Before, I saw myself as someone who just completed tasks like med passes and meals. Now I understand I’m a professional who uses the Code of Ethics and national competencies to guide my support. Upon completion of my certification,  I became an Assistant Manager.

Words from from AHRC Nassau

​Congratulations, Tiffany, on this outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition!

-Denise Lamb, Employee Health Manager

NADSP E-Badge Academy Earners Of The Month